Our soldiers are dying in Afghanistan. We should ALL wear a poppy - Harry

07 Nov 2009 14:34:53

Harry Redknapp has added his voice to the Sportsmail campaign for all BarclaysPremier League clubs to wear poppies on their shirts this weekend.
Powerful message: Redknapp
The Tottenham manager sent out this powerful message on Friday ahead of Remembrance Sunday: 'I'm in favour of everybody wearing poppies. We keep seeing young lads in Afghanistan getting killed. It's horrific. They are so brave. You look back over the years and the people we've lost. I'll wear the poppy with pride.'
Hours later, Sportsmail's campaign spread to rugby as the All Blacks and Wales announced they will be wearing poppies on their shirts during today's international.
Wales' tops are red, further negating Manchester United's argument that a poppy would not be visible on their shirts.
England will wear poppies on their match-day tracksuits before the game against Australia at Twickenham.
There will also be a minute's silence and a collection in aid of Help the Heroes while the players have donated more than 60 tickets to serving soldiers.
Redknapp's comment about Afghanistan was a fitting tribute after a week in which there has been an alarming death toll including five British servicemen being killed by a rogue policeman in Helmand Province.
Eighteen out of 20 Barclays Premier League clubs will wear poppies on their shirts following the campaign. Only United and Liverpool have refused to alter their stance, despite the clubs coming under increasing pressure. Both insist they will continue raising funds in other ways.
Poppy pride: Birmingham City's Cameron Jerome wears his
On Friday, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson displayed a poppy at his weekly press conference.
In a public show of support for the Royal British Legion, his poppy was attached to his training sweatshirt , but he refused to criticise United's stance.
The usually opinionated Ferguson asked by Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman for his thoughts on United's position shied away from offering his own views.
'No. I have no views. No,' said Ferguson. 'I am not prepared to talk about it.'
No comment: Sir Alex sports a poppy in the press conference
The All Blacks issued their statement from their training base in Wales.
The captain of the original All Blacks team, Dave Gallaher, was killed at Passchendaele, and team manager Darren Shand said: 'The team feel it is important to honour the role of New Zealanders who died in World War One, and particularly the number of All Blacks who died.'
Then there were two: Bolton join poppy parade - unlike United and LiverpoolCharles Sale: England show up clubs on poppiesSportsmail comment: Liverpool and Manchester United - it's still not too late to wear the poppy with prideCharles Sale: Poppies growing on Premier League clubs
Explore more:People:Alex Ferguson, Harry RedknappPlaces:Liverpool, Wales, Afghanistan, United Kingdom, AustraliaOrganisations:Royal British Legion